Description
This Chickpea & Orzo Bowl with Feta, Roasted Veggies & Walnuts is a hearty, flavor-packed meal that’s vibrant, wholesome, and incredibly easy to prepare. With smoky roasted vegetables, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and bright herbs, it’s the kind of nourishing bowl that feels like comfort food—but with a Mediterranean twist. Perfect warm or chilled, for lunchboxes or dinners, and always satisfying.
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked orzo
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Pat chickpeas dry, then toss with diced zucchini, bell pepper, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Spread everything on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden and tender.
Meanwhile, cook orzo in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine orzo, roasted chickpeas and veggies, crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, and fresh parsley.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm or at room temperature with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Notes
To toast walnuts, heat in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Orzo can be swapped with couscous, quinoa, or brown rice.
This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep.
Use block-style feta in brine for the creamiest texture.
For added greens, toss in arugula or baby spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad Bowl
- Method: Roasting, Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20mg
- Cholesterol: 25 mg